Hastings: Loseth a stretch, even for likely favorite

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Local 3-year-olds will take their first step towards the Grade 3, $200,000 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 11 in the $50,000 Chris Loseth at Hastings on Friday. The 1 1/16-mile feature named after the all-time leading jockey at Hastings is the first middle-distance stakes for 3-year-olds at the meet. Half of the 10 horses entered – including the probable favorite, Inhisglory – will be going around three turns for the first time.

Inhisglory has won 4 of his 7 starts, including the Turfway Park Prevue at Turfway Park Janu. 8 and the $50,000 River Rock Casino at Hastings in his last start June 5. He also came from last to finish second in his first start for trainer Craig MacPherson at Hastings in the Jim Coleman Province May 7.

Inhisglory should be able to get 1 1/16 miles. His sire, Pure Prize, won the Grade 2 Kentucky Cup Classic at 1 1/8 miles. Inhisglory is out of an unraced mare, but his only sibling has won three races, including two going a mile.

MacPherson was pleased with the way Inhisglory showed more tactical speed in his win over Jump Up and Kissme in the River Rock. Richard Hamel rode Inhisglory in both of his races here.

“I am very happy with the way he is going right now,” said MacPherson. “We’ll find out pretty soon who can go long and who can’t. One of the big positives about Inhisglory is that he’ll do whatever Richard asks him to do. It really gives Richard some options.”

Inhisglory drew the rail, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hamel have him sitting off of what should be a fast pace.

MacPherson’s other horse in the race, Too Much Dirt, has only one way of going and won’t be heard from until late. He has won both of his starts at the distance, including the $52,000 Ascot Graduation with Russell Baze aboard last year. He finished full of run to edge Arraignment by a length in a 1 1/16-mile $50,000 optional race in just his second start this year.

“Too Much Dirt is a one-run type of horse, so the pace scenario has to work in his favor,” said MacPherson.

Jump Up and Kissme pretty much ensures an honest pace. Trained by Phil Hall, Jump Up and Kissme set the pace in the River Rock only to be caught in the last jump by Inhisglory. Hall is making a slight equipment change for the Loseth.

“We’re going to cut holes in his blinkers,” said Hall. “I think if he would have seen Inhisglory coming he would have won. If he can get a half in 47 and change, I’m pretty sure he will be able to keep going.”

Double Jack ships in from Arlington Park, where he is coming off a front-running win over Polytrack in a first-level allowance sprint for Illinois-breds June 5. He won a state-bred maiden special weight race at Hawthorne in his second career start in April, so the move back to dirt shouldn’t be an issue.

He didn’t look very impressive when he worked a half-mile in 52.60 seconds over a track rated good before a crowd that came out for a clockers corner promotion at Hastings last Sunday, however.

Trainer Troy Taylor wasn’t sure how Double Jack would run Friday.

“He had pretty slow works back there, so I’m not too concerned about the work,” said Taylor. “He’s only been here for a week so I really don’t know much about him.”

Krasner has good news and bad

Trainer Cindy Krasner wasn’t sure which horse she was more proud of between Wando Woman and P. S. Touch Down. Wando Woman came from last to edge heavily favored Caged Mistress by three-quarters of a length in the $50,000 Vancouver Sun for fillies and mares last Saturday. P. S. Touch Down finished a neck back at 34-1.

“I am proud of both of them, but we expected that kind of race from Wando Woman,” said Krasner. “I was really proud of P. S. Touch Down, though. She laid her belly on the line. She was exhausted halfway down the lane but she just kept digging.”

According to Krasner, both horses came out of the race in good shape and will be pointed to the $50,000 Strawberry Morn July 16.

“We sent Wando Woman to the farm for a few days so she can unwind,” said Krasner. “She is such a nutcase in town. After the race I had to sit with her until about 10:30 at night before she settled down.”

Caged Mistress probably would have won the race with a better start. She usually runs from a stalking position but after hopping at the start she just had too much to do. According to trainer Troy Taylor she won’t race again this year.

“She hit the pontoon, banged her shoulder, threw both shoes and cracked her shinbone,” said Taylor. “Considering all that she really showed a lot of heart to run that well. Unfortunately she is done for the year.”